going...going...GONE!

ok, so this is a fashion website right? right. So why on earth am I going to jump on the bandwagon and write about the newest weight loss fads? Um, because everyone knows in order to look super stylish in those clothes you have to have a figure. Muumuus, while comfortable, have never been the clothing du jour for the young and stylish. I have three major tips for losing weight, which everything else falls into...

COOK YOURSELF: I love to dine out...well, I used to. Now I've discovered the art of cooking. For all you shopaholics out there that love to treat yourself to a nice dinner after a hard week at the office I have the solution for you. Treat yourself to new cookware. You will get to indulge in something you probably shouldn't and it will definitely be worth it. My recommendation for the best cookware out there is Wolfgang Pucks 21 piece Bistro Set.

The biggest problem I always had with cooking for myself wasn't the time commitment, wasn't the grocery shopping, and it wasn't even the cleanup. I never felt like what I cooked was as tasty as anything I could get in a restaurant. It seems to make sense though; restaurants are cooking fatty food so they are in turn making you into a fatty. I found some great recipes for fish (just sprinkle tilapia with some redfish seasoning and olive oil and bake for 15 minutes or salmon covered in a concoction of brown sugar, vinager, and mustard), chicken (chicken breast covered in basil leaves and olive oil and baked for 30 minutes or shishkabobs sprinkled in olive oil and covered with lemon pepper), and some steak (filet mignon sprinkled with salt and pepper and grilled to perfection...and by perfection I mean medium rare).

My new favorite dish? red pepper stuffed with king crab. There is nothing better.

PORTION CONTROL: In order to keep your weight under control you have to be sure not to overindulge yourself. If you are eating pasta make sure you read how many portions are in each bag. A typical bag of pasta has about 8 servings...a lot more than I would have expected. While you're at this portion control thing make sure you are making healthier choices. Instead of regular pasta I grab the whole wheat option. It doesn't taste any different and is about 100 times better for you. I've never been a huge fan of butter, so cutting that out wasn't a big deal. If you are, switch to margerine. If there is something you absolutely can't cut out limit it to once a week. I'm a huge fan of cookies...I've found the chips ahoy 100 calorie packs usually do the trick, but sometimes I want the real deal. Now, I can stop at 1/2 a cookie and put the rest back, but before I would indulge on 5 or 6 cookies. No bueno.

I measure everything out. Measuring cups have become my new best friend. On top of that I keep a daily food journal to make sure my calories never go overboard. If I want to indulge I check my journal to see if I have any room. If I don't then I try to save up the next day. Eventually this craving goes away or I have enough will power to save up the room. At the front of my food journal I have taken pictures of me in a bathing suit highlighting the areas I would like to improve. When I feel like grabbing a piece of cake because I feel skinny that day I just check my journal with the regularly updated pictures and get snapped back into reality.

On the same note, make sure your goals are realistic. I've set one large goal of losing 30 lbs. but it's hard to stay motivated for a year or more. Throughout the year I've set mini goals of losing 5 lbs. It seems a lot more attainable and when I reach a mini goal I get a rejuvinated sense of accomplishment. So far I'm down 15 and still going strong. It's not hard once you realize it's all a matter of habit.

EAT YOUR VEGGIES: complex carbs are your best bang for your calorie buck. Make sure you eat your veggies. Fiber will keep your metabolism going, make you feel satisfied, and keep you snacking healthy. While I don't like to eat my veggies with my meal I do have a vegetable plate about an hour before every meal. I either slice up some celery and top it with mustard, or eat some carrots plain. While this may not be your favorite way to serve it, just be sure you top your veggies with something healthy. Mustard is my favorite condiment so it works out well, but if you must use a dressing make sure it is low fat.

For the most part you can eat what you want as long as you don't overeat. Just be concious and you won't gain too much weight. Make sure to exercise at least 30 minutes a day...intensely, and keep your metabolism up by eating regularly. If you are going to eat 5 meals a day like I do make sure to limit them to about 300 calories a piece.

Whatever you do DON'T STARVE YOURSELF! It will lead to health risks, gaining your weight back plus more when you actually do start eating, and fatigue. Your body needs food, just make sure it's the right type. Avoid overprocessed foods and go for the natural.

bag it!

Everyone wants the perfect handbag. Designer handbags have been made all the rage by the hippest celebrities. Sad news for the not so uber wealthy is that we can't afford them...until now.
Enter bag, borrow, or steal. It is the latest website for handbags. They call themselves "the NetFlix of handbags". As you might have guessed by now it is an online store that allows you to pay a monthly fee and receive handbags in the mail. You can use them and return them only to receive your next selection in the mail. If you want to borrow them for an extended amount of time you can pay an extra fee and use it for six months or even a full year. It is the cheapest way to get the latest designer purses.

While I haven't actually tested this site it seems like a great idea. I'm not quite sure the kind of condition you receive your purse in, but it looks like they are in good shape. They have insurance plans to make up for wear and tear on your purse while it's in your care. Another thing I would watch out with this site is the hidden costs. NetFlix is a flat rate depending on which plan you use, but this one seems to have shipping charges, MUCH higher fees if you keep the purse longer than what is on their $9.95 a month plan and other things to be weary of. There might be a slight risk with taking these purses out, but hey...it's a Fendi on your arm!

workin' in a coal mine

So while my real passion is fashion, currently I'm working in the accounting world. The real fashionista in me has to take a back seat when I'm at the office, but I manage to let her shine through every now and again. Once you get the job you have a little more leeway on what to wear...but that's the first problem. What do you wear to an interview?

You've probably heard thousands tell you that your first impression is the most important. It will be attatched to you nearly forever. In an interview you want to come across professional, but that doesn't mean drab. As a matter of fact drab is exactly what you are trying to avoid. One thing I hear all the time is that the people that come to interview are all the same. Nothing stands out about any of them. Sure, it might help to have a healthy resume, but if that's something you're lacking you should make an entrance. This isn't to say though that you should be remembered for your outfit. If all they can talk about is that hot pink jacket you wore, it probably wasn't the best choice.

First things first: you want to pick the color of your suit. Interviews are not the time to shine like the sun. You want to pick relatively drab colors; navy, black, or dark gray. If you have serious problems with those colors (like I do) you can go for a rich chocolate brown.

After you pick the color of your suit you want to go for the style. Women and men alike should definitely stick to the two piece suit. Make sure it is fitted and made of a high quality fabric. Of course the people interviewing you aren't going to expect you to be able to afford a suit like the CEO's, but you should definitely splurge when you are buying it. One suit is definitely all you need for the job hunt. You can mix and match with different shirts, accessories, and other things of the sort. Women might have it a tad bit easier seeing as how they can buy all three pieces (pants, skirt, and jacket) and mix and match that way as well.

Speaking of skirts, women make sure they cover you. Your best bet would be a chic and classy skirt like the pencil skirt. It should hit right below the knee. The best advice I ever heard when discussing skirt length was to sit in front of a mirror before you get it hemmed. This is after all what your interviewer is going to see. It makes perfect sense, but something most people would overlook. Being 5'10'' I am the biggest fan of the skirt right below the knee. With a lovely pair of heels it will make you look classy chic.

For a pant suit I would suggest a high wasted pant with a button down shirt tucked in for women. With some heels it can make your legs look like they go on forever. Take a hint from this ensamble (although not quite as professional as you might need it is along the right track) from ralph lauren. You can even go half an inch or so higher, but that's about it. If your pants are too high you'll lose that luscious leggy look.

When you are picking a shirt to go under your suit pick something classic with that extra pizazz. This is the one place you have to be creative. I would suggest sticking to a solid color because it looks more professional, but you can have a little fun with color. With a black suit however I would suggest sticking to a white shirt because black with white is your most classic look. I would also suggest avoiding the really bright colors and staying with more of a shirt that has that hint of color. A nice (very light) turquoise button down can really be fantastic with a chocolate brown pant suit.

Shoes are something to be discussed. The latest peep toe shoes will not do the trick. Keep those perfectly manicured piggies inside their cage for your interview. Just stick to pumps and that is all. No glitter, no shine. A nice pair of pumps are your ticket to classy and chic.

The last thing you want to be concerned about is jewelry and makeup. For both you want to keep it to a minimum. No fancy eye color in the office and stay away from the door knocker earrings. A nice set of pearl stud earrings and an understated necklace to match is always a nice choice. The look you are going for in your jewelry is a little jackie o' inspired if you will. If you do decide to go with the pearls make sure your necklace is a loose choker. You don't want any long necklaces dangling around your suit. The key word there though is loose...you also don't want some serious choker action going on. It looks teeny-bopper, and that is NOT the look we want. As for you makeup you don't want to go in with nothing on. A little mascara can make you look polished and ready for the working world. Make sure you don't go in looking like you are ready to star in the club's drag show down the street. Keep those blush lines off your cheeks and stick to a natural look.

To sum up...neutrals are your friend throughout the interview process. In order to look trendy you have to go classic. If it is the latest trend (i.e. platform heels, victorian shirts, and dangly earrings) then stay away. You want your suit to be tailored and covering with a nice set of pumps to match.

I'm sorry, the number you have dialed...

Everyone who's anyone has a cell phone these days. Some are sleek and sophisticated, some are chunky and entirely out of date, while still others aren't really cell phones at all.

Sleek and Sophisticated: This phone is EVERYWHERE! Movies endorse it, teenagers run rampant with it, and adults throw it in their tiny briefcases. It seems the world is shrinking and technology is the first to go. The Razr by Motorola would probably have to be this seasons most popular phone. It has all the advantages of the flip phone. It's thin, it's long so you can actually get a grip on it, it's shiny, and it fits in your back pocket. It comes in a range of colors including silver, black, hot pink, and now a light blue. I'm definitely the biggest fan of silver as I think it is a bit classier than the other colors. Men, I suggest you stick to silver or black...but hey, to each his own. I would leave the hot pink and blue to the high school prom queens though ladies. If you're over 23 you should not own a hot pink accessory (and yes, a phone is an accessory)

Chunky and Entirely Out of Date: You just should not own one of these phones. If you do please chuck it in the trash immediately.


Not Even a Phone at All: This is my absolute favorite phone. It's large and completely in charge, but somehow still sleek and sophisticated. It does everything you want it to do and so much more. The things you never knew you needed suddenly are at the tip of your stylus (that little sticky thing you use to poke around the screen with). You can keep a calendar, phone numbers, addresses, check your e-mail, and it has a keyboard to make for some mighty easy text messaging. No girl should be without her treo.

express yourself!

Sorry I haven't posted in quite a while...I've been busy with a lot of other things.

Sure having the perfect outfit can make or break your day, but what actually constitutes the perfect outfit?

Accessories: The smallest sparkle in your ear to a complete assortment of little dangles can class up an outfit in no time. I am known for having a pair of earrings to match any outfit you could possibly think of. T-shirts, work suits, and a nice pair of jeans can instantly be glamorous with the proper earrings. If you are going for the cheap target can definitely get you some door knocker earrings for under $10. My absolute favorite though would have to be a store in Houston completely dedicated to cheap accessories...Charming Charlies. They have things ranging from $2 to $50. My only suggestion when it comes to these pieces of glitter on your ear...the bigger the better. You may hear nay sayers out there, but trust me. With some flowy curls in your hair and some giant door knockers hanging down below nobody will be able to resist.

A Great Fit: Nothing can kill an outfit faster than something that is too loose or too tight. You want to make sure that your clothes look like they were made for you. If you can't find something in your size you should go up one size and get it altered to perfection. There are a few things in life you should never be without; a great hairstylist, the perfect nail lady, and a friendly seamstress. Let your curves shine through...don't squeeze them to death.

Picture Perfect Smile: While this isn't necessarily part of your outfit it will make you stand out more than any article of clothing ever could. Make sure your pearly whites are just that. I would reccomend a quick trip to the dentist to get some professional treatment, but if that's too expensive or you just don't have the time then you should definitely pick up some crest whitestrips. Just make sure you use them according to the package or else you'll never get that photo perfect smile. For some day to day upkeep Plus+White makes a 5 minute whitening gel that actually works. Rub some on while you are putting on your makeup for that extra oomph before you head out for the night.

Color: If you're still dressing in the same old drab black and white it's time for you to kick it up a notch (BAM!). We're going to get you to start small. Add a dash of color with a bright purse, some neon heels, or a sparkly headband. It doesn't have to be head to toe lime green, but some hot pink heels with that little black dress may just be your ticket to being a fashion icon. Don't let drab clothing keep you from being your fabulous self. Get out of the corner wallflower and step out onto the dance floor. You and your shoes need to brighten up this room! For some awesome (and super cheap) purses go to the purse boutique

The key to making the perfect outfit is to start small. Look through magazines to find out what's hot and mold it to your lifestyle. Obviously if you work in a corporate office the trendy little golfer shorts aren't going to be appropriate for work, but you might just be able to add that little something with a cute bag. Accessories will make any bland outfit trendy, so go ahead and add a little flavor to your outfit. I dare you...

Shake That Groove Thang

We come across one more Friday night in which I will be going out. It seems as though every weekend I rummage through my closet looking for the perfect outfit to head out in. Every girl knows what I am talking about...something fresh and exciting with that bit of class needed to separate you from the crowd. As I go piece by piece nothing grabs my attention, or if it does, then it is for all the wrong reasons. Out are the days when going to a club or party meant wearing the shortest skirt and lowest cut shirt. Less is so not more. There is no need to look like one of America's most well known fashion victims. Add an inch of fabric here, and an inch there and viola! you've made yourself presentable.

At the risk of sounding like your mother, leave something to the imagination.

Back to Earth

Well today is 4/20. For those of you in the know it is an illustrious holiday created by the cannibus friendly. Sidewalks are decorated with chalk drawings of marijuana leaves and peace signs. It is a day to cast the businessman aside and find your inner hippie. While a few actually celebrate in the intended fashion, others celebrate in a sort of actual fashion statement. It is a day to bring out the hippie through every outlet you can find...starting with the clothes.

Here are my picks for the top 5 "go green" fashion websites:

alternativeoutfitters.com: This environmentally friendly clothing and bath line lets you proudly proclaim your love of Tofu and allows you to show the world just how big of a treehugger you really are. Their bath line is completely void of any animal testing so you can splish splash in your bath without a guilty conscious.

beyondskin.com: While still completely environmentally friendly they have managed to create some luxurious shoes for the ultra chic. I think their motto says it all "beautiful, stylish, and ethical footwear". Their missions statement is to create footwear that does not exploit humans, animals, or any other environmental issue in the wider environment. They are made in the UK so you can always expect these fashionistas to come up with something ultra trendy.

edun.ie: This is a line created by Bono and friends to help promote trade in developing countries. Their website proclaims to "deliver the fishing rod rather than the fish". They utilize locally run factories in Africa (no worries...it's completely ethical) and is an attempt to bring business to struggling countries. The stylish New York City twist put on this line is unmatched and definitely worth a gander.

hipandzen.com: This one is not only environmentally friendly, but it also certainly appeals to that inner hippie. With energy muse necklaces and shirts advertising giant peace signs this is the ultimate hippie haven if you will. The front page even has a key letting you know which items are handmade, organic, recycled, fairly traded, or all natural. So all you earth fanatics feel free to splurge at this website.

treehugger.com: If the name doesn't say it enough, this website is definitely made for the overly earth aware. This website, while not exactly a store, is more of a blog featuring items for the earth friendly consumer. My favorite item though is a Modular Pillow that is made from upholstery fabric scraps that have been reclaimed and made into the modular units. There are no glues, stitching or other attachment method used, instead these fabulous pillows rely on an interlocking system to keep the pillows together; which makes for easy disassembly and recycling. The pillows aren't the only thing in this line though...they have everything from a scarf to shoes to purses. Keep your eye out for this modular designer Galya Rosenfeld.